Lens doesnt want to close - Digital Cameras

Answers :

This has to be THE most common failure mode for a digital camera. Some common error messages that might show up on the LCD's of cameras with this problem include "E18 lens error", or "lens error, restart camera". Some cameras might show nothing at all, but merely make a beeping noise as the lens goes out, then in, then the camera shuts off. Sometimes the lens won't even move.\012

The problem is actually quite common throughout all camera brands. Usually it's sand or grit interfering with the lens extension mechanism. Or the camera's been dropped with the lens extended. Or the camera has been powered on, but the lens had been blocked preventing its extension. Or the battery ran down with the lens extended. Believe it or not, one BIG contributor to lens errors is using a camera case. Sand, gunk, case fibers, etc... accumulate at the bottom of the case. These materials love to cling to the camera by electrostatic build-up from the camera rubbing against the side of the case (especially those cases with soft fibrous intreriors). Once these materials work their way into the lens mechanism, that's all she wrote. I have many cameras, and NEVER use a case for this very reason.\012

A camera owner that suffers this problem may have no recourse for having the camera repaired. Many camera makers will not honor repairing this problem under warranty as they claim it is due to impact damage to the camera, or sand or debris getting into the lens gearing mechanism (neither of which is covered under warranty). The quoted repair cost is usually close to or more than what the camera is actually worth.\012

Fortunately, about half the cameras that suffer this failure can easily be fixed by one of the following methods. None of these methods involve opening the camera, although some have potential to cause other damage to the camera if excessively done. If the camera is still under warranty, before trying any of these, please please first contact your camera's maker to see if they'll cover the repair, or to determine how much they'll charge for the repair. Who knows, you might get lucky. But if they quote you a number that's higher than the value of your camera, you may want to consider the following methods.\012

The methods are listed in the order of risk of damaging your camera. Thus make sure you try them in the listed order. And remember, these fixes (especially #6 and 7) should only be considered for a camera that's out of warranty, who's cost of repair would be excessive, and would otherwise be considered for disposal if unrepaired:\012

Fix #1: Remove the batteries from the camera, wait a few minutes. Put a fresh set of batteries back in (preferably rechargeable NiMH 2500mah or better) and turn the camera on. If that didn't work, try pressing and holding the Function or OK button while turning the camera on.\012

Fix #2: Remove the batteries, then remove the memory card. Then install new batteries, and turn on the camera. If you get an Error E30, it means you don't have a memory card installed, so turn it off, slip in the memory card and turn it on one last time.\012

Fix #3: Insert the cameras Audio/Video (AV) cable, and turn the camera on. Inserting this cable ensures that the camera's LCD screen remains off during the start process. Thus extra battery power is available to the camera's lens motor during startup. This extra power can be useful in overcoming grit or sand particals that may be jamming the lens. If the AV cable doesn't fix the lens error by itself, consider keeping this cable installed while trying fixes 4, 5, and 7 as a means to provide extra help to these fixes. But note that I DON'T recommend keeping the cable installed during Fix 6 as you may damage the AV port while tapping the camera. Reinsert the cable only AFTER tapping the camera.\012

Fix #4: Place the camera flat on its back on a table, pointed at the ceiling. Press and hold the shutter button down, and at the same time press the power-on button. The idea is that the camera will try to autofocus while the lens is extending, hopefully seating the lens barrel guide pins in their slots.\012

Fix #5: Blow compressed air in the gaps around the lens barrels with the idea of blowing out any sand or grit that may be in there jamming the lens. Other variations include blowing with a hair dryer in "no heat" setting, or sucking the gaps with a vacuum (careful with this one).\012

Now we're entering into the realm of potentially damaging your camera in conducting the fix. There is definitely some risk here, so take care when conducting the following two fixes.\012

Fix #6: Repeatedly tap the padded/rubber usb cover on a hard surface with the intent of dislodging any particles that may be jamming the lens. Other variations include hitting a side of the camera against the palm of your hand. A lot of people have reported success with this method. HOWEVER, there is also some potential for damaging or dislodging internal components with this method, such as unseating ribbon cables, or cracking LCD screens.\012

Fix #7: Try forcing the lens. More people have reported success with this method than with any of the other methods. HOWEVER, there's obviously some potential for damaging your camera by using this method. Variations include gently pulling, rotating, and/or twisting the lens barrel while hitting the power button. Attempt to gently straighten or align the barrel if it's crooked or twisted. Another variation includes looking for uneven gaps around the lens barrel, and then pushing on the side of the lens barrel that has the largest gap (note pushing the lens barrel all the way in is NOT recommended as it may become stuck there). While doing any of the above, listen for a click that indicates that the lens barrel guide pins may have reseated in their guide slots. If you hear this click, immediately stop and try the camera.

Tips for a great answer:

- Provide details, support with references or personal experience .
- If you need clarification, ask it in the comment box .
- It's 100% free, no registration required.

Suggested Questions/Answers :

Lens Stuck My Dad bought me a digital camera for Christmas this year. And Ive always wanted one. And then my dumb brother put it on top of tilted books and made it fall. The lens is coming out to the left side and it doesnt close back in. Please help me. Theese cost a lot of money.And my brother is begging me not to tell my parents.

In this task you may contact a professional technician or what so ever. that has have an idea about the digicam. i seem in the picture you shown. its like a crack in the thread of your lens. but if you have a idea on this. you may open it by take out ...
Canon PowerShot SD750 / IXUS 75 Digital Camera

Lens doesnt want to close - Digital Cameras

Fixing a Lens Error on a Digital Camera\012\012This has to be THE most common failure mode for a digi ...
Digital Cameras

My camera worked fine one day, then it was in my purse. When I went to use it the light was on and the screen said there was a lens error. Everytime I try to turn it on now it makes a grinding noise and refuses to open and then closes completely with the lens error reading For no reason my camera (Nikon coolpix model S210) doesn't want to work with the term "Lens error" and lens won't come out
WELL YESTERDAY MY NIKON COOLPIX s210 DIGITAL CAMERA WAS WORKING PERFECTLY FINE THEM I GOT UP TO TAKE P

\012\012try these:-\012\012\012connect it to pc and on it\012vaccum the barrel of lens\012changing mem. card and batt. for 2min. ...
Nikon Coolpix S210 Digital Camera

I have small SONY DIGITAL CAMERA DSCW90S,when you turn it on the lens barral slide open, then closes then slides open then closes, the lens shutter keep nicely opening and closing but the barral is not stable keeps oppening and clossing for couple of times and then it says TURN THE POWER OFF AND ON AGAIN, but when i do so, it doesnt help.
please help me, thank you :)
Alena Lorinczova, DUBAI, UAE

Lens of my digital camera canon ixus 860is is stuck and doesnt close

Fujifilm 10.2 mega pixels digital camera w/SR Auto Scene Recongnition 2.7 LCD. The batteries were dying, we put others in and it won't turn on. We plugged it into the DC outlet (still won't turn on). Connected it to the computer, it won't turn on. (you have to turn it on in order for the computer to recognize it, I think) Anyway why won't it turn on? The lens is stuck in the open position and we just wanted to get enought power to it to close the lens. Can you help?

Maybe the problem is the kind of batterys, change another brand an try remember you need a nikkel batterys ...
Digital Cameras

I have an Akai digital camera model DC6371. On start up the lens pops out and screen lights up, but then the screen closes down and (often) the lens remains out even when the camera has been turned off. On trying to operate it again today, the green light indicates the camera is on for a few seconds and the screen lights up momentarily, but the lens doesn't pop out and the camera closes down again.

Looks like you have the notorious lens stuck problem. Since you said it pops out occasionally but does not go in, it is probably a faulty motor or some kind of mechanical obstruction. A qualified camera should be able to fix this for you but I recomm ...
Akai DC6371 Digital Camera

I have a EOS-650, 35mm film camera(not digital)body. I want to purchase a lens for it. I need to know what model number lens and type will be compatable for this camera body? There are several to choose from but only certain types of lens will work on this type camera body. Some examples are EF type and USM type. I do not want to purchase a lens that I will be over paying for or that will not work on this type of body or is not design for it all together.

I am sorry but everyone will give you an openion that may work for them and not you. You need to go to cam shop and test the lenses that fit in your cam and get all information that you need then go back on your net and shop for good prices, but as ...
Digital Cameras

Hi, I have a Canon IXUS 40 digital camera - My lens suddenly does not want to close and show me an E18 error code on screen - what is the problem?

Hey there johans, the E18 error code indicates there is a problem with your lens unit or lens cover. It was probably the result of an impact of some sort, or you may have something such as sand or dirt jammed in the device. If you cant see anything t ...
Digital Cameras

This is probably THE most common failure among digital cameras.There's a halfway chance of fixing it yourself, described here: http://camerarepair.blogspot.com/2007/12/fixing-lens-error-on-digital-camera.html ...
Canon PowerShot A430 Digital Camera

Dear Sir/Madam, My daughter did get an Olypmus FE-340 digital camera last year but has since a few weeks problems with this camera. On switching on the camera the lens keeps opening and closing. When the lens stops there is no automatic focusing and only by taken out the battery the lens will close itself. Is it possible for you to advise me which action to take? Yours sincerely, Rob Bliekendaal Celbridge

HelloThank you for using FixYa for your problemAlways check the batteries first but if is it still giving the same fault, your camera is faulty. It should be taken to an authorized repair centre for a repair ...
Olympus FE-340 Digital Camera

Nikon COOLPIX S6000 Digital Camera lens cover won't close. Camera works great but lens cover won't close-at first it would close halfway, but now nothing. Warranty has expired. Help!

The lens doesnt close and when i turn the camera on it bips three times and the screan shuts off. the lens wont close.

The batteries need to be changed. The digital batteries sold at the stores die out too fast. I had this same problem. In result, I purchased rechargeable battieries. ...
Samsung Digimax S500 Digital Camera

Lens error I tried to turn off my camera, (Digital Ixus 60) and the lens froze halfway closed. When I tried to restart the camera, an error comes up on the screen, saying LENS ERROR, RESTART CAMERA. I had this problem before on this camera, but while it was still under warranty. I sent it to be fixed, but now it seems the problem isn't fixed. Is there anything I can do now?

The only thing is, is that it is past it's warranty. THE WARRANTY ONLY COVERS DEFECTS, AND FACTORY ERRORS. \015\012\015\012IF THE LENS DOESNT GO BACK IN, THEY CANT FORCE IT AND YOU PAY THE FULL COST OF THE ENTIRE LENS BEING REPLACED AND T ...
Canon PowerShot SD630 Digital ELPH / IXUS 65 Digital Camera

I am having power supply and lens problem with a canon sd1000 digital camera. its not working with the battery inside and the lens got stuck and was not closing and now it is open but the camera is off and the lens is also extended the battery is fully charged and functional but still is not powering the camera back on. i currtently took the outer casing off and attempting to navigate through the boards looking for a solution to the power supply and then the lens error of bein stuck problems.

This is a mechanical fault and would only be repaired through servicing. You should be able to get it repaired under warranty or a camera centre. If the costs are too high it may just be worth replacing the camera. ...
Canon PowerShot SD1000 Digital Camera

I am having power supply and lens problem with a canon sd1000 digital camera. its not working with the battery inside and the lens got stuck and was not closing and now it is open but the camera is off and the lens is also extended the battery is fully charged and functional but still is not powering the camera back on. i currtently took the outer casing off and attempting to navigate through the boards looking for a solution to the power supply and then the lens error of bein stuck problems.

I am afraid you have the notorious lens stuck problem. If you google "canon lens stuck" or "canon lens not retracing" the results will be in millions. Canon's quote for repairing this issue is well over the cost of the camera itself. However all is n ...
Canon PowerShot SD1000 Digital Camera

I am having power supply and lens problem with a canon sd1000 digital camera. its not working with the battery inside and the lens got stuck and was not closing and now it is open but the camera is off and the lens is also extended the battery is fully charged and functional but still is not powering the camera back on. i currtently took the outer casing off and attempting to navigate through the boards looking for a solution to the power supply and then the lens error of bein stuck problems.

This is a mechanical fault and would only be repaired through servicing. You should be able to get it repaired under warranty or a camera centre. If the costs are too high it may just be worth replacing the camera. ...
Digital Cameras

Stuck Lens I dropped my panasonic dmc fz1 digital camera. Now the zoom mechanism is stuck and the camera is basically a paperweight asking me to remove the lens cover (which is already removed). The lens wants to click into gear, but can't quite. Any suggestions beyond getting a new camera. So far I haven't even figured out how to take the lens housing off.

Hi,\015\012\015\012It seems that the lens is stuck.\015\012If you can repair it i have the repair manual, if not i can repair this problem, I'm not shure if i allowed to send our repairadress in the Netherlands we replaced a few gea ...
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28 Digital Camera

Dear madam/Sir,
i am using Samsung i85 digital camera and facing following problem:-
i had some photos saved in my memory card of camera, when i connected it with the help of USb cable , a prompt message box got open asking whether you want you want to scan and fix (recommended) OR without Scan.
I opted for first option but, when the process was about to complete, i closed the running application.
and after closing that application i saw that there were no images remaining in my came

Hi.. i m using olympus stylus 840 digital camera for past 1 year. now i m facing a problem. the camera lens cover is not closing. it always in open mode. while trying to close the lens cover some sound is coming.

WHEN I TURN ON MY COOL PIX S51 A LENS ERROR MESSAGE COMES ON THE SCREEN AND DOESNT ALLOW AN OTHER FUNCTION WITH THE CAMERA. THE LENS COVER IS STUCK OPEN WHEN THE MASSAGE IS DISPLAYED. IF I TURN THE CAMERA ON AND OFF A FEW TIMES THE COVER WILL CLOSE BUT THE ERROR MASSAGE REMAINS. IM NOT SURE WHY THIS HAPPENS AND IVE NEVER DROPPED MY CAMERA AND ITS ALWAYS STORED IN A FOAM CASE. I CANT AFFORD ANOTHER CAMERA RIGHT NOW, IS THERE ANY SOLUTION TO MY PROBLEM?

HelloThe problem is that the lens has become stuck in the barrel. There are some DIY solutions you could try, but the \012probability is that ...
Nikon COOLPIX S51 Digital Camera

I was Importing some pictures to my computer from my Canon sd 1300 is powershot digital camera , When the Battery died , I was not in the room at the time , So I came back in and attempted to turn the camera on and it said "Please change the battery pack" which means I need to charge the battery , and When the camera shut off , The lens did not close . SO I charged my battery , and the next day , I put the battery back in the camera like normal and I turned it on , and on the screen it said "Len

Since your camera is new the priviledge of your warranty claims must not be lost. So do not tamper to lose this benefit but call up the call centre of Canon for registeration/advice. What you can do is to remove the battery and keep if off . Since th ...
Canon PowerShot SD1300 IS IXUS 105 Digital Camera

Hi.. My Olympus Stylus 710 camera is one year old and I have been having problems with it recently. Basically the camera is unusable right now. When i press the power, the lens open halfway, the picture on the LCD is blurry and one second after the lens close and an error appears of the screen saying "D: 5f08 5f0e 5f08 5e02". Can you help me fix this problem? Sending the camera back to Olympus to fix will cost a bundle and where I live, no one fixes digital cameras.

My camera worked fine one day, then it was in my purse. When I went to use it the light was on and the screen said there was a lens error. Everytime I try to turn it on now it makes a grinding noise and refuses to open and then closes completely with the lens error reading For no reason my camera (Nikon coolpix model S210) doesn't want to work with the term "Lens error" and lens won't come out

Hope you purchased an extended warranty. I've had two Cannon's with the dreaded lens error. Probably what happened was that while it was in your purse, somehow the power button got pressed. The camera powered up, tried to extend the lens, then str ...
Nikon COOLPIX S200 Digital Camera

I was using the camera when the lens became stuck out even with new batteries, it has now managed to go back in but the lens wobbles a lot and the lens doesnt close at the front, i think i need to take it in to be fixed but im worried it will cost more than a new camera